[meteorite-list] International Shipping/Customs Questions

From: Shawn Alan <photophlow_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2010 19:09:38 -0700 (PDT)
Message-ID: <51859.48845.qm_at_web35401.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

Matt and Listers,

That's a good question about whats the proper way of declaring meteorites for customs forms.

What I have done in the past is put rock sample. Now I am putting rock sample for research and checking the box that says other, but I might stick with gift box. Also, I would put $5 for value and not sure if the buyer had to pay a tax for that, but I havent heard any complaints, but I think ill just put a $2 value cap.

Shawn Alan
IMCA 1633
eBaystore
http://shop.ebay.com/photophlow/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340






[meteorite-list] International Shipping/Customs Questions
Matthew Martin mmartin at meteoritetreasures.com
Sun Oct 3 18:40:56 EDT 2010

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Hi Everyone,

As I have been sending more specimens to international destinations, I
have some questions for those who have more experience in this arena.
I've searched the net and have not been able to find any information
related to this topic, so I hope it's not a repeat:

1. What is the proper declaration description of a meteorite for
customs forms?

I've seen a variety, such as "geological specimen", "geological
sample", "mineral specimen", etc., and want to know which terms are
best to use (and not to use). I have had a bad experience with a
package I was receiving which was labeled "meteorite" in the
description of the declaration form and a customs agent in Tennessee
called me and didn't want to release the package because "meteorites
could contain dangerous bacteria" (I'm not kidding!). Does it matter
is the term "sample" is used vs. "specimen"?

For this question, I am referring to loose meteorite specimens only
(not jewelry).

2. Are there any countries that anyone is aware of that prohibit the
receipt (import) of meteorites from individuals who live there?


Thanks in advance.

Matt Martin
Meteorite Treasures
www.meteoritetreasures.com


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[meteorite-list] International Shipping/Customs Questions
Marcin Cimala marcin at meteoryt.net
Sun Oct 3 19:55:35 EDT 2010

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> 1. What is the proper declaration description of a meteorite for customs

> forms?


Good question!

>From my experiences I can say that its better to write anything than "inside

of this box is meteorite and its propably worth alot". We KNOW how normall
peoples react when they hear about meteorite. They are expensive, they are
interesting, they are rare. So its not a good idea to write "Meteorite" on
your shipping box. Better write "sample rock" or "rock sample for
classification + no value" etc... Whatever You want. Customs or postman in
99.99% have no idea what its inside and how much its worth, so better dont
tell them.

I even delete word "Meteorite" in peoples destination address!! Good example
is Mirko Graul :). Mirko why You have as Your shipping address in Paypal
"Mirko Graul Meteorites"? I dont think its good idea if You want receive
Your meteorites without problems. I alvays delete "Meteorites" from Your
address.

I dont remember when my shipping was lost for the last time or if any was
ever lost, but I dont send meteorites as parcels where I need to fill this
small green form and declare what is inside, how much its worth and what is
origin... Its better to send specimens as normal, ordinary registered
airmail lettes without declaring anything.

Once I have funny story with polish customs when I bought 30kg ordinary
chondrites from Morocco. They send me customs form to declare what is in
box, how much its worth. They need to know this to add taxes etc. So I
declare its worth 200$ rock samples for classification. Hmm it was 50% truth
becouse this NWA xxx is still only rocks. Few days later they call me and
Mr. Geologist told me that he know that they are meteorites and they are for
sure worth alot. So I told OK, they are meteorites and worth 400$ and if he
know better then he need to prove me that its worth more. Few days later I
got my meteorites, they got their taxes, everyone was happy.

Thats my night time impressions.
Good night.

-----[ MARCIN CIMALA ]-----[ I.M.C.A.#3667 ]-----
http://www.Meteoryty.pl marcin(at)meteoryty.pl
http://www.PolandMET.com marcin(at)polandmet.com
http://www.Gao-Guenie.com GSM: +48 (793) 567667
--------[ Member of Polish Meteoritical Society ]--------



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Received on Sun 03 Oct 2010 10:09:38 PM PDT